Salmon River, New York
Salmon River Pulaski Fishing Report: October 7, 2026
Kings, cohos, and some steelhead are producing action across open sections, but low flow and the lower Altmar closure still constrain the Salmon River.
- Status
- fair
- Flow trend
- stable
- Best window
- First light through midmorning
- Best methods
- streamers, egg patterns, nymphs
Quick Summary
The Salmon River is near 213 cfs and 5.30 feet at Pineville. Wednesday's local report describes strong action from the lower river through the upper reaches, with kings, cohos, and some steelhead in the mix. Low flow still concentrates fish and pressure. Start early with sparse streamers or natural egg patterns, rotate water carefully, and remain outside the closed lower fly-fishing section in Altmar.
Conditions Snapshot
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Status | Fair. Fishing is productive across open water, but low flow, pressure, and the lower Altmar closure restrict options |
| Flow | 213 cfs at Pineville |
| Gauge Height | 5.30 feet at Pineville |
| Water Temp | Not reported by USGS; Wednesday's local report displayed 56 F |
| Clarity | Not reported |
| Trend | Stable near 213 cfs |
| Best Window | First light through midmorning |
| Best Method | Sparse streamers and natural egg patterns in travel lanes; leeches and stonefly nymphs in deeper holding water |
| Wadeability | Good at established crossings in open water; do not enter the closed lower Altmar section |
Weather
The National Weather Service forecast for Pulaski calls for a partly sunny high near 66 F, with a 30 percent chance of showers after 3 p.m. South wind should run 8 to 13 mph. Showers and thunderstorms become likely tonight, with a low near 49 F and rainfall of one tenth to one quarter inch possible. No active NWS alert covered the forecast point at the morning check.
River Notes
Pineville remains nearly unchanged near 213 cfs and 5.30 feet. Wednesday's local report describes another productive day from the lower river through the upper sections. Kings and cohos remain the main run, with some steelhead also reported. The stable low flow means anglers should continue to focus on travel lanes, pool edges, and shaded holding water rather than forcing drifts through visible groups of fish.
New York State DEC delayed the normal September opening of the lower fly-fishing section from the Route 52 bridge in Altmar upstream to the hatchery property boundary. The emergency closure remains in effect through October 31. Today's late showers are unlikely to change the morning flow, but thunderstorms can create lightning risk. Leave the river if thunder is heard and recheck the gauge after heavier rain.
Hatch Activity
This is a salmon-run report, so fish movement and forage matter more than a trout hatch list. Official gauges do not report migration. Wednesday's current local reporting confirms kings, cohos, and some steelhead across the open river.
| Activity | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chinook and coho presence | Not reported | Current local reports describe productive fishing from the lower river through upper sections |
| Steelhead presence | Not reported | Some steelhead are mixed into the current run |
| Stonefly nymphs | 8-12 | A searching choice around pockets and seams |
| Eggs | 6-10 mm | Use sparse natural colors in low water |
| Baitfish and leech profile | 4-8 | Cover deeper slots, shaded seams, and pool tails |
Recommended Flies
| Category | Fly | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Streamer | Comet, Boss, or sparse salmon streamer | 4-8 | Swing through pool heads and tails at first light |
| Streamer | Egg-sucking leech, Woolly Bugger, or rabbit strip leech | 4-8 | Fish deeper slots and shaded seams with a controlled swing |
| Nymph | Black Stonefly, Prince Nymph, or Hare's Ear | 8-12 | Search pockets without dragging through resting fish |
| Egg | Single egg, sucker spawn, or estaz egg | 6-10 mm | Keep the rig sparse and avoid lining fish |
Tactics
Start at first light in an open lower-river travel lane, or choose a deeper pool farther upstream. Stay outside the closed lower fly-fishing section. Cover the head, inside seam, and tail before changing locations. Use enough weight to reach the lane without dragging across salmon. Use tackle strong enough to shorten fights, keep landed fish in the water, avoid redds, and give other anglers room to rotate.
Gauge Links
| Gauge | Flow | Temp | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| SALMON RIVER AT PINEVILLE NY | 213 cfs | Not reported | USGS 04250200 |
Sources
Official sources checked: USGS station 04250200, the National Weather Service forecast and active alert feed for the Pulaski, NY area, and the September 14 New York State Department of Environmental Conservation closure notice. This report is an original Custom FlyBox summary based on current official gauge, weather, and access information, with the October 7 local report reviewed separately for water temperature, fish distribution, and fishing-pressure context.